Al-Hilal approach for Richard Hughes “rebuffed” by Liverpool
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Al-Hilal are reportedly very keen on Richard Hughes with Liverpool not willing to let the Scottish executive this summer. Image Credits: Imago ImagesLiverpool’s summer rebuild is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent memory — but Fenway Sports Group appear determined to ensure it happens with the man who designed the last one still firmly in place.Richard Hughes has been a name swirling around Saudi Arabia for some time now.
Interest in Liverpool’s sporting director from Al-Hilal is nothing new — reports first surfaced back in October 2025 linking the Riyadh-based outfit with a move for the 46-year-old Scot, and those rumours came roaring back to life this when Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan claimed this week that Al-Hilal will soon announce Hughes.Terms had been settled between both parties and only the contract signing remained. With Liverpool sitting fifth in the Premier League amid a rocky title defence and widespread questions about the club’s direction, it was easy to see why the speculation found fertile ground.But now, according to talkSPORT, the noise coming out of Saudi Arabia still means Richard Hughes is set to go nowhere — at least this summer.The report indicates that Liverpool have effectively rebuffed Al-Hilal’s approach, with FSG making clear they have no intention of allowing their transfer chief to walk out the door ahead of what promises to be another major rebuild window.Hughes is contracted at Anfield until the summer of 2027, and the club have been consistent in their messaging: no deal exists, no talks have taken place, and FSG remain fully behind both Hughes and CEO of Football Michael Edwards.This summer is considered too important to lose the man who orchestrated last year’s £449 million spending spree that brought in the likes of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.Hughes himself has not publicly communicated any desire to leave, and Ben Jacobs reported that as things stand, suggestions he has already agreed to join Al-Hilal are “wide of the mark”.
Liverpool want him leading the next chapter and for now, it appears he will be. Al-Hilal Richard Hughes